Leading thought: Finding solace and perspective during tragic circumstances.

There are times in our lives that we face insurmountable circumstances. These events can weigh heavily on the mind and emotions, igniting feelings of frustration and hopelessness. At times, it seems that all around us there is loss; from family to friends, to challenges on the job and even with our partner and children. Enduring such heartache can be taxing to say the least; and the silent moments can seem as loud as one thousand violins.

Speaking on this subject; I am reminded of my uncle, of whom I have the fondest memories. For as far as I can remember, my great aunts and uncles would refer to him as the “golden child”; not only because he was smart and driven, but because he was said to be marked with discernment. When he was born, I am told that he had a veil over his face. Throughout his life, he was known as having remarkable experiences beyond explanation; particularly with those who were dying. He was a primary care physician who specialized in geriatrics. As part of his practice, my uncle spent considerable time with the elderly in assisted living facilities.

Being in the medical profession for almost twenty years, my uncle witnessed a host of uncanny situations that medicine could not explain. However, there was an area that needed no explanation, since it was a common occurrence across the assisted living facilities where my uncle served as a medical care provider. That common occurrence was none other than that of death; and my uncle was all too familiar with its appearance.

I remember his stories about seeing a flicker of light from certain patient's rooms. Every time he saw the flicker, that patient would later pass away. In most cases, the patient was alone. As he saw more patients pass away, my uncle became downtrodden and began to refer to what he saw as "the flicker of death”.

Remaining steadfast, he began to visit the room of each patient when he saw the flicker. He told me of a few instances where he visited the rooms of several patients whose room flickered. He noted that in each case, the patient felt their time coming to a close, and each were glad to have my uncle near them as they made the transition.

One particular patient told my uncle that he prayed for company so he would not die alone. When he saw my uncle, the patient remarked that he knew his prayers had been answered. He told my uncle that his presence gave him hope and that he could move on in peace. That encounter dramatically changed my uncle's perspective. From that moment on instead of calling it the flicker of death, my uncle went on the refer to it as a glimmer of hope.

Tribulation can sometimes cause us to contrive a worldview laced with misery and anguish. There is solution to help put the mind and emotions at ease. This solution resides in each of us, a power we possess that can transform a tragedy into triumph and render calamity null and void. The solution that resides in each of us is the power of perspective.

It is up to each of us to pause, reflect and find the inspiration that gives us the power to project a positive perspective in order to find resolve and solace even during the most tragic circumstances. When we exercise this power, we take control of our lives and we become the “Captain” of our destiny. Through thick and thin, joy and pain; the power of perspective can positively and holistically impact our outlook on life for the better.

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